pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: wonderful


by Leave a comment

Thanksgiving and Praise

Reading: Psalm 105:1-6

Psalm 105:1 – “Give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make his deeds known to all people!”

Photo credit: Pablo Heimplatz

Psalm 105 is a call to worship. Yes, it was a call to worship long ago for the Israelites. And it is a call to us today to worship God in the ways that we live out our faith in the Lord our God. The Psalm begins with this invitation: “Give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make his deeds known to all people!” There are three parts to this invitation. First, give thanks. Whether through prayer, a journal, or both, daily thank God for your blessings, large and small. This practice of gratitude is good for our soul. Second, call on God’s name. This could be calling on God’s name in prayers and petitions. And it could be seeking God’s guidance and direction in our lives. And third, witness to your faith. Share the story of what God has done and is doing so that others might be drawn to our Lord and Savior.

These basic invitations are echoed in verses two and three: Sing, give praise, rejoice in the Lord! In verse four we’re invited to pursue or seek God’s presence and strength. While God is ever present and ever willing to be a part of our lives, God will not barge in or force the issue. God waits for us to “open the door,” and then God enters in. Invite God in!

Verses five and six invite us into acts of remembering. These are both personal and corporate. Remember God’s wonderful and marvelous works in your life and in the world around you. Remember through thanksgiving and praise. Recall God’s acts of justice – in your life and in our world. Offer thanks and sing! And remember who and whose you are: “children of Jacob… chosen.” For our place in the family of God, may we lift a celebratory and joyous word of prayer or a song of praise to the Lord our God!

Prayer: Lord God, we pause and offer our thanks for all you do in our lives to lead and guide us, to strengthen and encourage us, to forgive and redeem us, to restore and save us. You are an amazing, awesome, wonderful God! Thank you for choosing us and for being our God. Amen.


by Leave a comment

This Kind of Knowledge

Reading: Psalm 139:1-12

Psalm 139:3b – “You are thoroughly familiar with all my ways.”

David begins Psalm 139 with a truth that applies to all of us as well: “Lord, you have examined me. You know me.” God knows when we come and go. God knows our plans. God studies our times of busyness and our times of rest. In the rest of verse 3 David writes, “You are thoroughly familiar with all my ways.” Thoroughly familiar – that is a great term for how well God knows us.

To me, this thought is both incredibly comforting and it is incredibly disconcerting. God knows my best intentions and my worst thoughts. God sees my shining witness and my damning failures. God is always there, “front and back.” Yes, the psalmist is correct: “That kind of knowledge is too much for me.”

With this intimate knowledge in mind, David launches into a great set of questions and recognitions in verses 7-12. There is nowhere we can go to escape the presence of God. To heaven, to the far side of the ocean, to the deepest darkness? God is there in all of these places and everywhere in between. So in the moments when we need comfort, God is there. In the moments when we need strength, God is there. In the moments when we laugh and share joy, God is there. In the moments when Christ’s light and love flow out of us, God is there. This kind of knowledge is beautiful and wonderful and amazing. And it is for you and for me. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for being there. Yes, in the moments when I need you. But especially in the moments when I don’t think I need you and suddenly do. I find then that you’ve been there all along. You are an amazing and wonderful God. This knowledge is just what I need. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Wonderful Love

Reading: Luke 23:39-43

Luke 23:42 – “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

As we continue in the crucifixion scene, we read Jesus’ only real interaction with anyone since he spoke to the mourning women on the way to the cross. In our reading today one criminal joins in the mockery and adds a selfish request: “Save yourself and us!” It is then that another voice speaks, this time for Jesus. The second criminal asks the other, “Don’t you fear God?” This is a telling question. He recognizes that they’ll soon die and that he’ll soon stand before the next judge – the one who will pronounce a sentence of eternal light and love or one of eternal torment and darkness.

Turning to Jesus, the second criminal says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He wants to go where Jesus, the innocent one, is going. Jesus offers him words of assurance, of welcome, of love. Yes, “today you will be with me in paradise.” This is so interesting to me. Jesus does not require a confession of sin first. He doesn’t quiz the man about his past life. Jesus doesn’t wait for a pledge of repentance or for a request to be baptized. The man just wants to be with Jesus for whatever is next. He longs for a reality-changing relationship with the Lord. Jesus welcomes the man in love.

This remains who God is. We don’t have to be perfect to present ourselves to God. In fact, God does some of God’s best work when we come broken or hurting or humbled or vulnerable. It us then that we are most malleable, most ready to be made new again. This is love. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, it is reassuring to know that your love never changes. At our very best and at our very worst, your love is the same. It is a wonderful love. Lord, help us to have this kind of love. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Wonderful Things

Reading: Psalm 98:1-3

Psalm 98:1a – “Sing to the Lord a new song because he has done wonderful things!”

Psalm 98 is a song of praise for God’s victory. These words of joy come from deep within the psalmist’s soul. His or her joy simply exudes from these words of praise. It pours forth especially from the first line: “Sing to the Lord a new song because he has done wonderful things!”

When have you felt this kind of joy in your life? When have you felt completely blessed to be in God’s presence? For me, great joy has come in moments both big and small, at times anticipated and at other times totally unexpected. From moments in worship when suddenly tears of joy are streaming down my face to times when holding a newborn child in my arms, these experiences fill my heart, reminding me that God is present in our lives.

The psalmist rejoices first in victories won by God’s “strong hand… his holy arm.” These might be great military victories or they might be triumphs over sin in our lives. I’d lean towards the second because the author next expresses joy in God making salvation and righteousness known to “all the nations.” Today’s portion of Psalm 98 closes with the psalmist celebrating God’s love for and faithfulness to God’s people. This has helped spread salvation to “every corner of the earth.” What joy the psalmist has!

What is the source, what fuels this joy? It comes from time in two ways. First, it comes from time spent with God: practicing a daily quiet time of prayer and study, investing in our relationship with God. Second, our joy builds each time we experience the hand of God touching our lives. These “touches” also deepen our relationship with God, opening our eyes to see joy, widening our hearts to be filled with joy.

Prayer: Lord God, your salvation and righteousness continue to pour forth into the world. Your love and joy pours out from your heart into our lives. We join the psalmist in celebrating the wonderful things you do in our lives and in the world. Hallelujah and amen!


by Leave a comment

Presence, Purpose, Plan

Reading: Psalm 139:13-16

Psalm 139:14 – “I give thanks to you that I was marvelously set apart.”

Overall, Psalm 139 is a celebration of God’s presence in our lives. The psalmist celebrates this presence, this touch, that is there with us even before birth in verses 13-16. There is a recognition that God is with us before we make any conscious choice to walk with God. So great is God’s love and care for us!

In verse 13 the psalmist acknowledges that it was God who formed his “innermost parts,” who “knit him together” in the womb. There is a deep connection, an intimacy to these thoughts. In the Hebrew world, innermost parts would include the soul (or spirit.) God’s touch is not just upon the physical aspects of who we are.

We lean into this idea in the next verse. Here the psalmist writes, “I give thanks to you that I was marvelously set apart.” Because he was uniquely and wonderfully made, there is a recognition that God has a purpose for him and, therefore, for each and every one of us. Made in the image of God, our purpose certainly includes caring for one another, for living one another just as God loves and cares for us. This plan and purpose is evident in verse 16 as well: “every day was written that was being formed for me.”

Whether our days are 10 or 10,000, whether our years are a handful or many score, God is ever present in meaningful and purposeful ways. Each and every day, good, bad, and in between, God walks with us, offering love and care. In this we rejoice, joining our thanksgiving with the psalmist’s!

Prayer: Lord God, we thank you today for creating us with your purpose and your plans in mind. We celebrate your presence in our lives. It is a presence that is constant, loving, and caring. Lord, help us to be this for others, being conduits of your presence, love, and care. Use us to bring you into the world and into the lives of those we meet. Amen.


by Leave a comment

This Wonderful World

Reading: Genesis 1:1-23

Genesis 1:4 – “God saw how good the light was. God separated the light from the darkness.”

Today we read the first part of the first of two creation stories that begin the book of Genesis. As the story starts, the earth is without shape and the sea is dark. There is no order to anything. God’s first act is to say, “Let there be light.” As the light appears, “God saw how good the light was. God separated the light from the darkness.” Day and night are created, bringing more order to the world. As the story unfolds, God continues to bring good, to bring order, to bring purpose into the world. All of this reflects “who” God is and reveals God’s intent for “what” the world should be.

God then creates the sky, the seas, and the land. God speaks and plant life grows. This too has order and purpose and goodness. The plants are designed with seeds, indicating a purpose and an ongoing plan. God then creates lights – sun, moon, and stars – to govern day and night, seasons, sacred days, years. And on day 5 God speaks into being the creatures of the sea and sky. These too are designed to multiply and reproduce. Each of these days carries a tag line: “God saw how good it was.” All that God does is good. This is “who” God is.

God’s speaking and creating with only words can be hard to grasp in a real, scientific way. So it is important to remember that this is not a scientific accounting of how the world came into being. This, again, is a story about who and what God is. God’s nature is inherent in creation: goodness, order, purpose, planning. As we continue tomorrow, we delve deeper into the “what.”

Prayer: Lord God, these beautiful words reveal you to us. The creation was sweeping and grand, powerful and amazing. Your thoughts explode into a million paths, creating this plant and then that one and those over there. You are an awesome God. Thank you for this wonderful world. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Edges

Reading: Luke 2

Luke 2:46-47 – “He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and putting questions to them. Everyone who heard him was amazed by his understanding and his answers.”

Luke 2 holds the stories of Jesus’ birth and childhood. We read of journeys, mangers, angels, and shepherds. We read of Simeon and Anna. And we read of young Jesus is the temple.

Luke begins chapter two with Caesar declaring a tax census. Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem. While there, Mary gives birth, wraps Jesus snuggly, and lays him in a manger. An angel appears to shepherds and announces “good news… wonderful, joyous news for all people.” The shepherds go and see Jesus, share their story, and return to the fields praising God.

Jesus’ birth rituals are then completed: circumcision, naming, ritual cleansing, presentation to God, and an offering is given. Simeon and Anna recognize Jesus. Simeon declares Jesus “salvation… revelation to the Gentiles… glory to Israel.” He also warns of the hard realities of Jesus’ ministry. Anna praises Jesus as “the redemption of Israel.”

We then fast-forward 12 years. The family went to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Traveling home, Mary and Joseph discover Jesus is missing. They return to Jerusalem and search for three days. Finally they find him in the temple. We read, “He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and putting questions to them. Everyone who heard him was amazed by his understanding and his answers.” After being scolded by Mary, Jesus basically says, ‘Where else would I be?’ The Spirit is upon Jesus and he finds favor with God and with people. May the Spirit be upon you and me!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the beautiful stories of Jesus. They read almost like a novel. Yet within the stories are edges. There is no room in a home for Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. You go to the low of the low to announce the wonderful news. In Simeon and Anna you recall the deep longing, the prolonged waiting for the Christ. You are a God of the edges. Your son Jesus is a Savior for the edges. May we be people that minister on the edges. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Wonderful Things

Readings: Joshua 1, Joshua 2, Joshua 3

Joshua 3:5 – “Make yourselves holy! Tomorrow the LORD will do wonderful things among you.”

Photo credit: John Towner

The book of Joshua begins with God’s direction and encouragement. Israel is to get ready to cross the Jordan. God encourages Joshua, telling him “no one will be able to stand up against you.” God encourages him to be “brave and strong.” And then God tells him to obey all of the Law, to recite it always. Why? “Then you will accomplish…” Faith and obedience will be required.

Joshua reaffirms the Transjordan tribes’ commitment to lead into the Promised Land and into battle. They pledge their support to Joshua and his leadership. Spies are sent into the land. They end up at a prostitute’s house. The king of Jericho hears about it and tells Rahab to send out the spies. Instead she lies, sending the king’s men on a wild good chase. Rahab then acknowledges the people’s fear of Israel and expresses her faith in Israel’s God. She seeks and receives assurance that she and her family will be spared. Rahab lowers the spies to safety. A red cord in the window will be a sign for death to pass over her home – like the red blood in Egypt. Rahab demonstrates the faith, initiative, and resolve needed to conquer the Promised Land.

In chapter 3 the Jordan is crossed. The river is at flood stage. Yet as the priests carrying the ark step into the river, dry ground is created. The people cross over, witnessing the “wonderful things” that Joshua has promised to a holy people. God goes before and the people follow. God makes a way once again. As we step forward as God leads, may we also trust fully in our God who always goes before.

Prayer: Lord God, in today’s readings there is a new sense of trust, of faith, of confidence in you. Joshua embodies this and it translates into the people’s lives. Use us today as you used Joshua – as pillars of faith and trust in your power and might. May these things seep into the lives of those we encounter today. Amen.


by Leave a comment

The One True God

Reading: Isaiah 9:2-7

Verse 6: “And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Photo credit: Diego Gennaro

Just over a week ago at youth group, one of our kids asked about the difference between God and the gods of the Greeks, Romans… It is a good place to begin today’s thoughts on Isaiah 9. The gods were limited and they were flawed. Each god was a god of something – war, love, rain, fertility… The gods fought with one another, played cruel tricks on humanity, sometimes had evil intents. These false gods, however, did not cease to exist with the Romans or whoever. They have new names today – wealth, popularity, beauty… – but they continue to lead us away from the one true God. Pursuing these gods limits our ability to fully be who we were created to be. Allowing these gods to drive our decisions and actions yields flawed results in our lives.

God is unlimited and is perfect. In God there is no darkness or evil. God has only good plans for us. God is everywhere and is always present. In today’s passage Isaiah identifies the coming son as “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” God incarnate, in the flesh, is all of this and so much more. In our times of indecision and struggle, God gives us wonderful counsel and guidance. In our times of weakness and uncertainty, God gives us mighty strength and holy wisdom. In our times of frailty and humanity, God reminds us that he who was and is and always will be is right there with us in that moment. And in the storms and valleys, God covers us in peace and hope and walks right there by our side.

Today we rejoice in our God who upholds and establishes us. Thanks be to our God who both reigns forever and is present right here in our hearts.

Prayer: Lord God, these titles that we find in Isaiah are so true in so many ways. Yet they are just a small part of who and what you are to and for us. Thank you for your total love and for your complete care for us, your children. Amen.


by Leave a comment

Sing a Song

Reading: Psalm 105:1-6 and 16-22

Verse 2: “Sing to God, sing praise to God; tell of all God’s wonderful acts.”

Photo credit: Shane Rounce

Psalm 105 encourages us to sing. The psalmist encourages us to sing as our vehicle for remembering God’s wonderful acts, for finding strength, and for seeking God’s face. On days when life is good, a song will lift our spirits. On days when life is hard or challenging, a song will shift our focus back to the Lord, also lifting our spirits.

The middle section of today’s Psalm reading deals with Joseph’s life – from the time he was sold into slavery to the point when he was made second in command in all of Egypt. The psalmist acknowledges the hard days, the days of slavery. They are part of the story. But then “the word of the Lord proved true.” Joseph’s dreams were fulfilled. The rest of the Psalm details the exodus from Egypt. It again includes both the challenges and the times when God provides and is true to the promises and covenants.

Later in God’s story, when life was again hard or challenging, the Israelites could sing Psalm 105 to find hope, strength, and encouragement. While we may not know the tune, we can read these words and be reminded of God’s steadfast love and care. Or we can sing other songs that remind us of God’s love, care, rescue, provision, redemption… Even when life gets hard, we can sing a song, refocusing our spirit on God, being lifted up and encouraged.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for music and for song. In times of challenge the right song speaks to my heart, bringing hope to my soul. In my times of need, Lord, bring me your song. Amen.